An effective, clear and concise communication is essential in life, whether it is in relationships at home, the workplace, interactions during travels, day to day activities.

Communication is more than just the spoken word, it also includes nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, body language, also the vibes that you transmit, the message you get across in a variety of different ways without saying anything.

In this podcast, we focus on the polarity between blunt or direct and diplomatic communication.

The base of any communication ideally is respect for the other person and a healthy level of curiosity about other perspectives.

A respectful and direct style of communication creates a trustful and understanding foundation for communication, an essential skill wherever you are, irrespective of your position.

A direct style of communication can easily turn into bluntness, especially when we experience a lack of energy when we are angry, under pressure or feel our boundaries are threatened. Bluntness will result in disengagement, defiance, and resentment in the workforce. It creates constant tension, blocks risk taking and is one of the reasons for reduced productivity and a higher turn-over rate.

Therefore, a good EQ level and self-awareness help in self-management and evaluation.

A few suggestions on how to reduce bluntness in communication:

1. Bluntness is charged with emotions and destructive, clear communication is measured and encourages a resolution. A reflective question could be, “What has been the trigger for me to reacting so bluntly?”
2. We all have our own projections, thoughts, opinions, fears, and concerns that we bring into a conversation. Most of us are more focused on how the other person makes us feel when engaging in a conversation. Spend time on establishing a good rapport before focusing on the information that needs to be communicated.
3. This rapport starts already before we speak the first words. Self-awareness is the key, especially when it comes to sensing into the space we are in. Are we calm, or already irritated before we start the conversation? In case of the latter, body posture, the face, the vibes will tell more than any words we speak. Use some breathing techniques or practice some mudras to calm yourself before stepping into a conversation.
4. Achieving results is what leaders are paid for. In the German language, there is a saying that is literally and figuratively translated as falling with the door into the house. Coming straight to the point without taking the time to feel and sense into your counterpart will very likely close the door before you can even open it.

Continuous bluntness reduces chances to move up the leadership ladder. If this is what you are struggling with, it is worth examining what the unconscious triggers are and how to resolve them.